It’s that time of year again: February is just around the corner and we’re gazing into our fashion crystal ball to see what the year ahead has in store for us (if you haven’t seen our SS22 report yet, check it out it here). As always, I’m here to bring you a vintage-alternative shopping guide to the season’s hottest looks, particularly the styles that lend themselves to the second-hand format. Essentially, I’ve done all the hard work for you—you’re very welcome.
For SS22 I was totally spoilt for choice in the vintage department—it always helps that so many of the season’s key looks have strong throwback references. We’re talking dramatic, oversized blazers (top tip: check the men’s department), ankle-grazing hemlines, Y2K styling and a good dose of designer logos. I mean, why buy a new version of a trend when you can have the one-of-a-kind original? These days there are limitless options when it comes to shopping second-hand online, but, personally, I always find myself returning to Etsy as it always has the best selection of small vintage sellers and affordable pieces. For designer fashion, your best bet is Vestiaire Collective, although for bags I would personally recommend dedicated bag sellers, such as Open For Vintage and Sellier that specialise in brand authentication. So if you’re wanting to experiment with SS22’s new trends while still shopping sustainably, scroll down to shop my vintage trend edit.
An oversized blazer is one of the easiest trends to buy secondhand. I recommend heading to the menswear section for high-quality oversized styles, which can be worn loose or cinched-in with a belt.
Thanks to its focus on classic silhouettes and elevated fabrics, this season’s ‘low-key luxury’ aesthetic lends itself beautifully to pre-loved fashion. From cashmere knits to wool coats, there’s more than enough to pick from in this category.
There’s no shortage of ankle-skimming hemlines on the vintage market, thanks to its popularity through a variety of decades—from ’70s boho to ’90s minimalism. Whether you’re a print person or prefer more of a pencil pleat, there’s sure to be a maxi skirt to fall in love with.
I’m not going to lie, this category was a bit of a struggle because, as a Millennial, the noughties aesthetic feels all too recent. However, it would be remiss of me to not include the Y2K trend in this line-up as, well, it couldn’t lend itself more to second-hand shopping. Top tip: vintage John Galliano is a good designer to search for if you’re not sure where to start.
For SS22, wardrobe basics have been given a preppy update from the likes of Miu Miu and Dior: Think pleated midi skirts, cricket cable knits and polished loafers. I found some fab second-hand iterations from Etsy below.
Like Y2K, logo bags are a trend that come straight from the archives, so you know that there’ll be plenty of originals on vintage marketplaces. The tricky thing is avoiding fakes, so we recommend sticking to platforms that have dedicated authenticators, such as Open For Vintage and Sellier Knightsbridge.
It might feel a little chilly for floaty white frocks right now, but come March this year’s most angelic trend might start to look a little more appealing. There’s plenty of choice to be had—from silken slips and cotton puffballs—but I personally have a soft spot for the classic Laura Ashley prairie silhouette.
